I am definatly interested in a 470, but the Sabatti just seems to good to be true for such a low price!

For those of you who have handled or shot a Sabatti, what is your general impression of the gun? More specifically, does it "feel" like a classic English double rifle, Searcy, etc..or does it have the crappy/cheap feel of the Biakal/Remmington 45-70?

I haven't had the chance to hold one yet, so just looking for your imput.

Thanks!

Looked at a Sabatti 45-70 DR the other day at Cabelas, wanted to see a .470 or .500 but they didn't have any in stock. It was certainly nothing like a Baikal but it wasn't an H&H either. It did not have the appearance or feel of a cheap rifle. Seemed like a lot of gun for the money to me.

The difference between the medium bore and large bore Sabatti DRs is quite definitive. You simply cannot make judgments about the Sabatti DG rifles based upon their medium bores; it's like comparing the proverbial apples and oranges.

Cabela's has with the Sabatti large bore DRs, as they did with their Merkel DRs, given specific instructions as to how Sabatti builds and finishes the rifles with "special" features. The latest Sabatti big bores have a serial number sequence that begins with CAB, for Cabela's.

If other sources on AR are correct, there were 20 each 470NE and 10 500NE in the last shipment, which have now all been sold. I've been told that a gunsmith who purchased one of these 500s is very impressed, as are some experienced African hunters who have examined them (without disassembly) for fit & finish. They may well need some personal custom work on an individual basis. I have been told that the recoil pads could be replaced and that some additional weight could be added to the 470/500 class. Neither of these are considered major issues. A mercury recoil reducer and a Pachmayer/LimbSaver pad would address both issues.

I'll know more in a couple weeks when my new Sabatti 500 NE arrives. I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised, as Cane Rat intimates above.

The idea of a $5,500 .500 NE with ejectors is very appealing. The rifle that I looked at was nothing like the Russian junk that Remington was peddling. I'll be interested to hear what Lionhunter thinks once he receives his .500 and has a chance to shoot it, based on what I have seen I think he is going to like it. I would like to examine one of the true big bores but honestly wouldn't be afraid to order one sight unseen based on the 45-70 I looked at.

Me too...can't wait to hear LionHunter's comments. Maybe Sabatti will prove that a big bore double CAN be made for less than HALF the price of a basic entry-level double. Awesome!

BTW: I am not expecting a Purdey, but a good quality, basic double will be good enough...you can keep the engraving and XXX wood.

I did buy mine sight unseen; not even pics. I did have a close friend and African hunter who has handled and shot many more DRs than I have go take a look at it. He called me from the store and was very impressed with what he was seeing. I had the regulation target faxed to me and put it on hold. I bought it over the phone the next day.

Cane Rat, you can meet me at the range after it arrives if you wish to examine/shoot it, if you are still in the area. What are you current DRs?

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:
I did buy mine sight unseen; not even pics. I did have a close friend and African hunter who has handled and shot many more DRs than I have go take a look at it. He called me from the store and was very impressed with what he was seeing. I had the regulation target faxed to me and put it on hold. I bought it over the phone the next day.

Cane Rat, you can meet me at the range after it arrives if you wish to examine/shoot it, if you are still in the area. What are you current DRs?

My VC Demas that I posted over on this other thread is my only current double. But like I said that Sabatti .500 NE looks damn good for $5K. I'm anxious to hear what you think of it once you get it and have a chance to try it out. I'd like to go with you and try it out but unfortunately I moved away from the Bay area a couple of years ago. I'm, seriously considering buying one of these because I just suspect you'll not be able to get them for that price for long.



http://forums.accuratereloadin...0101804/m/5401073231

So, how was the Winter in Montana? Your VC is a beauty, 470 if I recall?

Semper Fi

Thanks, yes, a .470.

I got a 450 NE at the SCI show ( non ejector )
I am very pleased so far - shoots very well and
fit & finish is very good. I will post more at a later time as I am still working on my load. Others who are familiar with doubles have told me that my rifle is already acceptable for DG hunts even with factory ammo.

I looked at the big bores they had at the DSC convention and thought they looked pretty nice but they were already sold. A few weeks ago I picked up the 9.3x74R and although like somebody said above they are much different than the big bores I love it. It shoots an inch and a half at fifty yards with the Norma Oryx load. I thought the sights were cheezy looking when I bought it but after shooting it I really like them. The fit and finish is much better than I expected and it handles very nicely. Only time will tell how it will stand up to heavy shooting but I will definitely buy a 450 if one becomes available.

Question for JA : What type of scope mounts came on your 9.3 x 74R & are you using a scope ?

A rail type base moount.

Oops, didn't spell mount right and didn't answer second part. As of now I do not plan on scoping it.

JA,

Local Cabelas only has the 45-70, I am interested in the 9.3
I have a few questions for you.
The 45-70 barrels were very thin at the muzzle, how are the barrels on the 9.3 ?
What does the 9.3 weigh ?
Do you have any likes or dislikes ?
How is recoil ?

Thanks
Nitro450exp

450,
Yes the barrels are a bit thin and mine weighs 7 pounds and 4 ounces. I thought the recoil would be bad at this weight but it is not. This gun fits me pretty well with a LOP of 15 1/4 inches and that probably helps with felt recoil. The more I shoot it the better I like it. I am actually leaving for Texas in the morning to help cull exotic does in some thick brush so I am looking forward to hunting with it.

My 500 NE arrived at my FFL dealer today. Due to our CA 10 day waiting law I can't get it until Thursday next week (I started the paperwork Monday). I really hate our stupid gun laws here, and they are only gonna get worse. I'd move out of the state if I could.

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:

My 500 NE arrived at my FFL dealer today. Due to our CA 10 day waiting law I can't get it until Thursday next week (I started the paperwork Monday). I really hate our stupid gun laws here, and they are only gonna get worse. I'd move out of the state if I could.

How incredibly stupid California politicians are. When's the last time someone committed a crime with a .500 NE double?


Mike,

Please give us a shooting report as you as you have the chance. Can't wait to hear what you think of it.

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:

My 500 NE arrived at my FFL dealer today. Due to our CA 10 day waiting law I can't get it until Thursday next week (I started the paperwork Monday). I really hate our stupid gun laws here, and they are only gonna get worse. I'd move out of the state if I could.

Mike,
Californication sucks, I live over in Arizona, our gun laws here are getting better by the day, The Gov. just signed legislation that you no longer need a concealled carry permit to carry. I have friends from Africa come out every year (and freeload) we fill the back of the pick-up full of guns and go out and shoot (including .50BMGS) they just cant understand how lax (say freedom) our laws are. No waiting period, gun show no background check.

I tell them all the time, that is what makes our freedoms worth fighting for. Worth dying for. That is what American Exceptionalism is.

Nganga

I think I could do Arizona. Spent a week in Tucson, twice. Don't know where to look in the state for the right area.

And yes, I will be doing a report on what results I have from an initial inspection and shoot, once I can get my hands on it.

You mean that your local FFL dealer won't even let you fondle it and drool over it in the shop?

Oh, he'd let me, but then I just couldn't walk away . Better to simply suffer and look forward to the pleasant surprise, since it was bought sight unseen.

The words, "poor bastard" come to mine. Kinda reminds me of the those uptight prudish girls, you know the kind. You know what to expect and it is just teasing you until the timeline is right.

Congratulations of a hopefully wonderful specimen. If you tire of her quickly, I might know this guy in the market.